The Chopin Collection, Vol. 2

1. Concerto for piano & orchestra No. 1 in E minor, Op. 11, CT 47
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
Conducted by Libor Pesek

2. Polonaise for piano in C sharp minor, Op. 26/1, CT 150
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin

3. Prelude for piano No. 6 in B minor, Op. 28/6, CT 171
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin

4. Prelude for piano No. 7 in A major, Op. 28/7, CT 172
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin

5. Impromptu for piano F sharp major, Op. 36, CT 44
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
with Dubravka Tomsic

6. Impromptu for piano in G flat major, Op. 51, CT 45
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
with Dubravka Tomsic

Tracks:

Waltz in E flat, Op.18: Grande Valse Brillante
Waltz in A flat, Op.34 No.I: Valse Brillante
Waltz in a, Op.34 No.2: Valse Brillante
Waltz in F, Op.34 No.3: Valse Brillante
Waltz in A flat, Op.34 No.3: Valse Brillante
Waltz in D flat, Op.64 No.I: Minute
Waltz in c#, Op.64 No.2
Waltz in A flat, Op.64 No.3
Waltz in A flat, Op.69 No.I: L'Adieu
Waltz in b, Op.69 No.I
Waltz in G flat, Op.70 No.I
Waltz in f, Op.70 No.2
Waltz in D flat, Op.70 No.3
Waltz in e, Op.posth.
Impromptu No.I in A flat, Op.29
Impromptu No.2 in F#, Op.36
Impromptu No.3 in G flat
Fant-Impromptu in c#, Op.66
Bolero in A, Op.19

Customer Reviews:

The engaging poetry!.......2006-12-19

One of the maxim exponents of Chopin in the first decades of the Century was undeniably Arthur Rubinstein. He knew to create - if I may - the perfect link between image and the Polish sentiment ; although the pioneer in this sense was Ignaz Jan Paderewski. Lodz was his birthplace and if Chopin was a self exiled in his historical moment., Rubinstein must have taken into account in September 1 1939.

He nourished the last traces of a dying romanticism - as well as Rachmaninov did it - after his forced exile from URSS. His golden sound was far from the tragic approach given by of Alfred Cortot, for instance. He played the piano according the canons of the artist of the Century XIX, expression and sentimentality, hovered by an ardent nationalism that still inflamed the poetic imagination in some corners of the world, specially in the enormous immigrant wave who chose different places in America in order to search a promised land.

His direct phrasing without intellectual or philosophical approaches deserved to him a special name in the Western hemisphere.

He is now part of the keyboard's legend as well as one of the Chopin`s champions.

Still beautiful to me.......2005-11-04

As a piano student during the 1950s and early 1960s, I remember that there were "knock down drag out" arguments between the "pro-Rubinstein" factions and the "anti-Rubinstein" factions of the classical piano performing world. I was made keenly aware of the aforesaid because my piano instructor was a "dye-hard" member of the "anti-Rubinstein" faction. Rebelliously, I purchased all of the Rubinstein recordings that I could get my little untalented hands on including this recording of Chopin's Waltzes. I remember loving them at the time as I still do now that I've restored this recording on CD to my collection.
Rubinstein's performance in this recording really touches my very soul. Upon hearing this recording again, I'm reminded of how much I loved them almost 50 years ago. Whatever one may call his playing (eccentric, sentimental, syrupy, etc.) it certainly has retained its appeal to me--as a young person or now as an older person. (Note: Rubinstein particularly plays the "sad little" waltzes in minor keys exquisitely!)
If you want to hear a master (at least to me) of Chopin playing some wonderful works, buy this disc.

barcode piano for barcode lovers everywhere!.......2005-04-23

i must repeat myself over and over again.STAY AWAY FROM RUBINSTEIN.his playing is just too eccentric its as if he was abducted by aliens and had chopins works downloaded into his brain.what you get is a sort of robotic chemistry with a dire attempt to sound artistic.
these high reviews do baffle me to oblivion.

Artur Rubinstein great recording of Chopinýs Bolero, Waltzes.......2004-01-05

Artur Rubinstein great recording of Chopin's Bolero and 14 Waltzes
By Peter Dietrich, president, Chopin Society of New England

Artur Rubinstein's performance of the fourteen waltzes seems to be among the definitive versions. This stereo recording from a one day session in June of 1963, issued on BMG in the Rubinstein collection volume 47, and the earlier version first issued on LP RCA Victor LM-1892 recorded in December, 1953 and issued on BMG Rubinstein collection volume 29, equals in sound and profound understanding the two great versions by Alexander Brailowsky (1896-1976) recorded in the early fifties on LP for RCA Victor LM-1082 as well as the stereo recording from the early sixties issued on Sony Music SBK 46346 in 1990.

The four recordings are milestones of the classical waltzes. Their interpretations have achieved expert fluidity with grace and elegance of nobility. As Robert Schumann remarked "should be danced at least by countesses." To the above recordings I will add Dinu Lipatti's recording issued by EMI in the Great Recordings of the Century series. My opinion is based on hearing a great number of outstanding as well as good performances through more than fifty years. I will just list several additional names from my collection who have recorded fourteen waltzes: 1) Robert Lortat (1930), 2) Alfred Cortot (1934 and 1943), 3) Edward Kilenyi (1952), 4) Moura Lympany (1959), 5) Witold Malcuzynski (1959), 6) Regina Smendzianka (1959 and 1961), 7) Samson Francois (1964), 8) Stefan Askenase (1964), 9) Adam Harasiewicz (1965), 10) Tamas Vassary (1966); pianists who have recorded nineteen waltzes: 1) Augustin Anievas (1970), 2) Geoges Cziffra (1979), 3) Claudio Arrau (1980 - several of the waltzes are played too slow), 4) Vladimir Ashkenazy (1984), 5) Lidia Grychtolowna (1989), 6) Istvan Szekely (1992), 7) Garrick Ohlsson (1996 - 20 waltzes in this recording) 8) Jerzy Sterczynski (1996 - 23 waltzes, which will be discussed in the future).

The famous Polish poet Kazimierz Wierzynski author of the "Life and Death of Chopin" (1949) makes the following observation. "Chopin's Waltzes have little or nothing in common with the atmosphere of the ballroom. Niecks calls them Tanzdichtungen (dance poems). How does Rubinstein play the Chopin Waltzes? Surely, their worldliness and elegance are particularly suited to this worldly and elegant pianist whose incomparable virtuosity goes hand in hand with his unique feeling for Chopin. Without in the least sentimentalizing Chopin, Rubinstein fully renders his warmth: he is the ideal interpreter of the waltzes in which tenderness is so subtly blended with sparkle, playfulness and deep emotion."

Other Chopin works included in this compilation are the four impromptus recorded in 1964 and the Bolero recorded in 1962. Harvey Sachs, author of Rubinstein's biography published by Grove Press, New York, 1995, wrote the following notes for this compilation: "The 1964 version of the Impromptus, heard here is typical of the beautifully poised, yet deeply poetic Chopin recordings that Rubinstein made in his seventies as a sort of summa of his interpretations of the music of his great compatriot." However, the glory of this compilation is the Bolero in A Major, Op. 19. Until the Rubinstein recording in 1962 when he was almost 75 years old, this work was "obscure" Chopin, almost completely forgotten and recorded very seldom as well as terribly underrated. Despite the obscurity of the work for such a long time, there are several recordings of it in existence. I will list the notable recordings from my collection according to their release:
1) Adam Harasiewicz, Philips (1972); 2) Arnaldo Cohen, Dischi Ricordi, LP (1978); 3) Nikita Magaloff, Philips (1979); 4) Vladimir Ashkenazy, London/Decca (1987); 5) Georges Cziffra, EMI (1987); 6) Nelly Ben-Or, Meridian Records (1989); 7) Idil Biret, Naxos (1993); 8) Garrick Ohlsson, Arabesque, vol. 8 (1997); 9) Emil von Saur (recorded 1940) Arbiter (1998); 10) Anatol Ugorski, Chopin Complete Edition DG, vol. 7 (1999).

All the above recordings, although inspired performances and technically excellent, do not reveal the hidden beauty of the dance, as does Artur Rubinstein in his performance. Mr. Rubinstein unhurried tempos and magical play with the pedal plus his affinity for Spanish music brings this work to interpretative splendid heights unknown until his recording and since. These five star performances are highly recommended for every music lover.

The Great Chopin Master.......2003-07-26

This CD is superb. It shows the best of Rubinstein's Chopin.He did this CD with so much clearness and feeling. Rubinstein ends the CD with the little known Bolero. I reccomend it a lot.

Average customer rating:

What can you expect.
nevermind the flying dutchman reviewer...
A testament to Rubinstein's greatness, and Chopin's
Definitive Chopin? I think not
10 stars !

Rubinstein Collection, Vol. 45

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Ballads | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Scherzo | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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Rubinstein Collection, Vol. 48

ASIN: B00004ZD5B
Release Date: 2001-03-06

Tracks:

Ballade No.1 in g, Op.23
Ballade No.2 in F, Op.38
Ballade No.3 in A flat, Op.47
Ballade No.4 in f, Op.52
Scherzo No.1 in b, Op.20
Scherzo No.2 in b flat, Op.31
Scherzo No.3 in c#, Op.39
Scherzo No.4 in E, Op.54
Tarentelle in A flat, Op.43

Amazon.com

Rubinstein's is not the only way to play Chopin. Ignaz Friedman, Cortot, Horowitz, Wild, Cherkassky, and others have given us Chopin performances of incredible artistry and individuality, but Rubinstein's more objective interpretive stance set the model for succeeding generations of Chopin players. This welcome reissue from RCA's monster set of the pianist's complete recordings helps explain why his Chopin is still revered. The 1959 version of the Ballades is memorable thanks to his big, bronze tone, subtle rubato, and ability to make the keyboard sing like a great operatic diva. The great G minor Ballade illustrates Rubinstein's way with the music--the pregnant pauses in the introduction never overdone, the tenuous theme sung with quiet exactitude, the bold passages played with waves of sound that are never harsh or disproportionate, the whole coming off like a story told by a master narrator. The directness of Rubinstein's playing also suits the Scherzos, bravura pieces that the pianist recorded three times in his career. This 1959 stereo recording may miss some of the impetuosity of the earlier versions, but its stronger structural sense and subtlety make it compelling. Sonics are much improved over previous releases. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

What can you expect........2007-07-05

I bought this CD with the full knowledge of Rubinstein's ability to mesmerize worlds of people with his Chopin. His Ballades and Scherzi are no exception. Some pieces are not to my exact tastes but are very mature interpretations which one should expect from such a maestro of the piano. Great composer, great performer, great music.

nevermind the flying dutchman reviewer..........2006-05-06

...in his words:"This is by far the most transcendental recording of the chopin ballades ever created. Don't pay attention to karan jamal, he's obviously just an ignorant anti-semitic, arrogant idiot. Anyone who would give this recording 1 star knows nothing about music, which is apparent from the way the lone 1 star review was written.">>>>Now thats comedy.That made me laugh my a$$ off...........the only thing transcendental is the cheap air this recording gives off,not to mention the dutchman's transcendental stupidity.I've played classical music all my life from cello&violin to piano.If i know nothing about music it should be strange that within a month of learning piano i started work on liszt's transcendental etudes and am now up to the 5th etude after a year of hard work;and i stand by my 1 star review of this incorrigible recording.And my consolences to the poor chap who believes these are fine recordings;some of us after all are cursed with bad genes.

A testament to Rubinstein's greatness, and Chopin's.......2006-01-24

If someone wished to make a case for Rubinstein's genius not only as a Chopin interpreter, but as a pianist of the first rank, they'd need do little more than offer this one recording as evidence. The control of melodic line, lift, chordal technique, brilliance in ornamentation and fioriture - all of them are at the service of Chopin's conception, but come together with a sound that can only have been made by Rubinstein. Perhaps most moving is the first ballade; the grandeur of the main E major theme has never been brought out so compellingly, and the closing Gm section is nothing short of demonic. I've listened to this recording well over a thousand times, and have explored every other commercially-available recording of the ballades. Nothing quite compares. If I had only one piano record, perhaps even only one record of any kind, to choose for the proverbial desert island, this one would be it.

Definitive Chopin? I think not.......2006-01-03

Initially, I was suckered into buying this CD from a classical music guide that touted this CD as one of Rubinstein's greatest. Fortunately, His Ballade in G minor lives up to the hype. I love how Rubinstein is able to perfectly and naturally balance his phrasings and rubatos without resorting to cheap sentimentality. Unfortunately, its the scherzi that Rubinstein goes downhill. To me, this rendition sounds much too bland and labored. In addition, the third and fourth scherzo has lost much of the impetuosity from his earlier recordings. I know for certain that he was holding back, considering his 1964 chopin recital was much more volatile and exciting than this lethargic recording. If you really want definitive scherzi's, try Richters or Yundi Li's recordings. For the Ballades, try Moravec's or Zimerman's. And by the way, RCA's sonics don't sound that great compared to the Digital CD's of today. Get the improved (and cheaper) SACD version.

10 stars !.......2005-12-25

Chopin's Ballades, Scherzoes and 19 Nocturnes are the pinnacle of classical piano. Rubinstein Collection Vol. 45 and 49 are the reference recordings for these pieces. His interpretation of Ballades is muscular. In contrast, he is as soft as feather in the dreamy Nocturnes.

Average customer rating:

Chopin's mature Polonaises by Artur Rubinstein
Aristocratic Polonaises from Rubinstein

Rubinstein Collection, Vol. 48

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Polonaises | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
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Rubinstein Collection, Vol. 46
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Rubinstein Collection, Vol. 45

ASIN: B00004ZD5D
Release Date: 2001-05-15

Tracks:

Polonaises No.1 in c#, Op.26 No.1
Polonaises No.2 in e flat, Op.26 No.2
Polonaises No.3 in A, Op.40 No.1 'Military'
Polonaises No.4 in c, Op.40 No.2
Polonaises No.5 in f#, Op.44
Polonaises No.66 in A flat, Op.53 'Heroic'
Polonaises Fants in A flat, Op.61
Andante Spianato in E flat, Op.22
Grande Polonaise in E flat, Op.22

Customer Reviews:

Chopin's mature Polonaises by Artur Rubinstein.......2004-05-20

Chopin's mature Polonaises by Artur Rubinstein
By Peter Dietrich, President of the Chopin Society of New England, Inc.

Three great and famous recordings of Chopin's mature Polonaises by Artur Rubinstein. It all started in June 1952. I was walking on Washington Street in Boston, Massachusetts and while looking at a display window of a music store I noticed an LP record, LM 1205 (which I still have in my library) of Chopin Polonaises, vol. 1. I entered the store and purchased that record for the price of $5.95 not realizing at all that I was holding in my hands not only one of the best and most convincing recordings that Rubinstein had ever made together with vol. 2 LMI 52 Polonaises, but unquestionably the greatest recording of the Chopin Polonaises by any other pianist of the 20th century.
This recording of the polonaises from the 1950-1951 season was the second set recorded by Artur Rubinstein when he was in his absolute prime (aged 63-64) capable of the most convincing interpretations of these heroic works. His unhurried tempos, his magical use of the pedal has achieved musical clarity undreamed of by any other pianist before and since. He was very fortunate to get an excellent sound from RCA engineers despite being recorded in mono only and the two records despite their fifty-two years in use still sound beautiful.
The present reissue I am reviewing of all three different recordings is from the complete Rubinstein 94 disc set edition which I purchased in 1999 and the digitally remastered edition of vol. 28 sounds even better than the LP edition of 1952.
The earlier set of the 8 polonaises recorded in December of 1934 and January-February of 1935(first issued on 78-RPM records) is in the present edition reissued in vol. 4. These are already mature performances, particularly Polonaises 5 and 6, which are intense and beautiful and have many qualities of the later recordings. We have to remember that the 78-RPM era was very challenging to every artist because of the rather primitive recording equipment of the time and a limited time for each side of a record. Despite all of the difficulties the achievement is outstanding and it is a joy to listen to Rubinstein's earlier recordings and compare them with the later and perhaps more mature performances and be able to notice the changes in growth of Rubinstein's artistry.
The 3rd and final set, vol. 48 of the 8 mature polonaises was recorded in Carnegie Hall, New York City, in March of 1964 in stereophonic sound, when Rubinstein was 77 years old. These are also great performances, more mellow and a shade less robust and dramatic than his 1950-51 renditions. They also lack the tremendous intensity and urgency when compared with his 1951 crowning achievement. Almost all the repeats are omitted in the A Major Polonaise, Op. 40, No. 1 while in the C-minor Polonaise, Op. 40, No. 2 all repeats are restored. Personally, I like when all the repeats are included because it makes the work more complete, particularly in the polonaises, because it makes them sound more intense and monumental. All of Chopin's markings are very clear and they should be respected.
The only regret one may have is why Rubinstein, who was so great and successful in performing Chopin's music, never recorded the earlier Polonaises and the rest of Chopin's known works? Some Chopin scholars have made various statements that outside of the etudes; Chopin's other less known works were not worthy of performing. Completely false! All of Chopin's music is worthy of performance, which has been proven by the younger generation of pianists who have recorded his complete works.
Rubinstein performed in Boston, Massachusetts at least sixteen times between the mid fifties until his retirement in 1976, not counting his performances with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. I was fortunate and privileged to have attended almost every performance and relished the opportunity of having spoken to the artist on several occasions. In 1965, after his last recording of the polonaises, I asked him if he had recorded all of the polonaises? His answer was "yes." I replied "all?" To this he responded: "From my early years, I loved to play the piano but I hated the practicing. If I had been more willing to work hard, I could have played 100 more pieces of music." Then I asked him about the etudes? "Oh, no! I am not ready, yet. I am still working on polishing them. Probably, I will die sooner than record them," was his reply. Unfortunately, he never recorded them. It is a pity because several of the etudes he programmed in his recitals in Boston, playing them every time very beautifully. He was a great pianist, a master musician and demanded the impossible from himself.
Summarizing the monumental achievement by one of the greatest artists of the 20th century it makes one feel as if the world is a better place, where all problems disappear and only love an beauty reign. Are there any further recommendations necessary?

Aristocratic Polonaises from Rubinstein.......2001-05-17

Volume 48 of RCA's Complete Arthur Rubinstein collection features the pianist in his final authorized recordings of works he was born to play. Chopin's Polonaises were based upon the aristocratic dance of his beloved Poland--although these works are not, in the strictest sense, meant to be danced to.

Rubinstein made three complete sets of Polonaises. The first version, recorded on 78RPM discs in the 1930s, is indescribable in its elan and brio, but occasionally veers out of control. The second set--in my opinion the best of the three--was recorded in the 1950s and demonstrated Rubinstein to be in far better control, both musically and technically, with most of the vigor of the earlier version. This third version, recorded in Carnegie Hall in 1964, is more autumnal and aristocratic in approach. Rubinstein can certainly turn up the heat when he so desires, but on the whole these performances are far more mellow than in the earlier recordings. In concert, he would become fired-up by the audience's presence, and his playing live more closely resembled the earlier recordings. To hear what Rubinstein was like during "battle-conditions," check out Rubinstein in Moscow (Volume 62) which includes two of Chopin's Polonaises.

The 1964 stereo recording sounded pretty good in its day, and sounds even better now thanks to RCA's splendid remastering. Rubinstein's famous tone is recreated faithfully, with even more dynamic impact than on the earlier issues.

Rubinstein Collection, Vol. 50
Average customer rating:

piano for the suburbanite

This would be the greatest exce[pt....

Who Better than to Record the Mazurkas?

Arthur Rubinstein: Chopin's 51 Mazurkas

The unsurpassable Rubinstein

Rubinstein Collection, Vol. 50

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Mazurkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by Chopin | Chopin, Frédéric | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
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Rubinstein Collection, Vol. 45

ASIN: B00004ZD5E
Release Date: 2001-03-06

Tracks:

Mazurka No.1 in f#, Op.6
Mazurka No.2 in c#, Op.6
Mazurka No.3 in E, Op.6
Mazurka No.4 in e flat, Op.6
Mazurka No.1 in B flat, Op.7
Mazurka No.2 in a, Op.7
Mazurka No.3 in f, Op.7
Mazurka No.4 in A flat, Op.7
Mazurka No.5 in C, Op.7
Mazurka No.1 in B flat, Op.17
Mazurka No.2 in e, Op.17
Mazurka No.3 in A flat, Op.17
Mazurka No.4 in a, Op.17
Mazurka No.1 in g, Op.24
Mazurka No.2 in C, Op.24
Mazurka No.3 in A flat, Op.24
Mazurka No.4 in b flat, Op.24
Mazurka No.1 in c, Op.30
Mazurka No.2 in b, Op.30
Mazurka No.3 in D flat, Op.30
Mazurka No.4 in C#, Op.30
Mazurka No.1 in G#, Op.33
Mazurka No.2 in D, Op.33
Mazurka No.3 in C, Op.33
Mazurka No.4 in b, Op.33

Tracks:

Mazurka No.1 in c#, Op.41
Mazurka No.2 in e, Op.41
Mazurka No.3 in B, Op.41
Mazurka No.4 in A flat, Op.41
Mazurka No.1 in G, Op.50
Mazurka No.2 in A flat, Op.50
Mazurka No.3 in C#, Op.50
Mazurka No.1 in B, Op.56
Mazurka No.2 in C, Op.56
Mazurka No.3 in c, Op.56
Mazurka No.1 in a, Op.59
Mazurka No.2 in A flat, Op.59
Mazurka No.3 in f#, Op.59
Mazurka No.1 in B, Op.63
Mazurka No.2 in f, Op.63
Mazurka No.3 in C#, Op.63
Mazurka No.1 in G, Op.67
Mazurka No.2 in g, Op.67
Mazurka No.3 in C, Op.67
Mazurka No.4 in a, Op.67
Mazurka No.1 in C, Op.68
Mazurka No.2 in a, Op.68
Mazurka No.3 in F, Op.68
Mazurka No.4 in f, Op.68
Mazurka 'A'Emile Gaillard' in a
Mazurka 'Notre Temps' in a

Amazon.com

Chopin wrote mazurkas throughout his all-too-brief life, using this Polish dance as the basis for short pieces that encompass a world of harmonic explorations and varied emotions, from the subtly comic to the intensely sad. Rubinstein plays the 51 in the standard canon, skipping the unpublished youthful ones. Of his three recordings of the set, connoisseurs tend to prefer his first, from 1938-1939 (available on RCA, EMI, and Naxos) for their spontaneity. But these 1965-1966 stereo recordings in refreshingly alive transfers can't fail to please most listeners. They're a bit weightier than the early ones, but the added depth and Rubinstein's characterization of each piece yield big dividends. In the great C sharp minor Mazurka, Op. 50, No. 3, for example, he plays the beautiful opening theme with disarming simplicity that invests it with mournful regret, manages the transitions to bolder statements flawlessly, and turns a charming dance into a dramatic tone poem that says in five minutes what some composers need a full symphony to say. That miracle is repeated often in this set, as Rubinstein appears at first to be underplaying a piece until you realize the sophistication of his carefully modulated dynamics, gentle rubato, and varied tone. His was an outward simplicity that hid complex art. Throughout, he plays with a wonderful, singing tone, rhythmic life, and an aristocratic authority few have matched. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

piano for the suburbanite.......2005-04-23

nothing artistic here.
plays like a student.
pass it up...

This would be the greatest exce[pt...........2002-01-08

This would be the greatest of all Rubinstein Chopin recordings except...there are the Polonaises (Volumte 28!), and the Nocturnes (Volume 46!). Count this one tied for 3rd, with the Ballades, the Waltzes, the.... Hey, wait -- you might as well get them all.

My only problem with this recording is that the repeat button on my CD player isn't working. I listen to one and say, "That's gotta be the best Rubinstein/Chopin Mazurka there could possibly be," but no sooner than I think that, that another one comes on, EVEN BETTER.

Okay, I have my fav. The great B Minor Opus 33 Number 4. This is mid-period Chopin at his finest, and Rubinstein at his finest, and we are privileged to be alive so that we can rehear it.

Who Better than to Record the Mazurkas?.......2001-12-01

Chopin. Rubinstein. Mazurkas. Perfection. The impeccable Rubinstein rubato shines most when he plays the works which invite overindulgence, like the dance forms, or the easily sentimentalized nocturnes. Especially in these mazurkas where his rhythmic restraint is admirable. These recordings are quirky yet authoritative enough to make me wonder whether only a fellow Pole can play Chopin with such multifariousness (16 letters!) of movement within the staff. I've heard other recordings of the mazurkas, mainly Ashkenazy (boring... where's the life?) and individual performance pieces in compiliations, but none sparkle like the way Rubinstein makes them sparkle. Sublime.

Arthur Rubinstein: Chopin's 51 Mazurkas.......2001-04-07

Fabulous! Polish music at its best!

The unsurpassable Rubinstein.......2001-03-29

While his recordings of other composers is somewhat uneven, Rubinstein is the absolute master of Chopin. Noone else captures the beauty, nuance, depth, poetry, and feel of his music in quite the same way, and the Mazurkas (which by the way sound wonderful in their new remastering) are no exception. Even the very familiar ones sound fresh in Rubinstein's hands, and whether you listen to these a few at a time (as I usually do) or straight through, I highly recommend this recording as well as the other reissues in this series.

Average customer rating:

waste of money
One of Rubinstein's greatest Chopin recordings
Chopin of the First Rank from Rubinstein

Rubinstein Collection, Vol. 46

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00004ZD5C
Release Date: 2001-05-15

Tracks:

Grave - Doppio Movimento
Scherzo
Marche Funebre: Lento
Finale: Presto
Allegro Maestoso
Scherzo: Molto Vivace
Largo
Presto Ma Non Tanto
Fantasie, Op.49 In F Minor
Barcarolle, Op.60 In F-sharp
Berceuse, Op.57 In D-flat

Customer Reviews:

waste of money.......2005-09-13

it seems poeple buy these rubinstein disks for nostalgia,i certainly cant figure out any other valid reasons they might have.

One of Rubinstein's greatest Chopin recordings.......2005-04-11

This CD, Volume 46, contains Chopin's 2nd and 3rd Piano Sonatas, plus the Fantasy, Op. 49, Barcarolle, Op. 60, and Berceuse, Op. 57.

The performances of the Sonatas are gorgeous, wonderfully poetic. The versions of the Fantasy and Barcarolle are no less fine. This is a must CD for lovers of Chopin, great piano playing and Rubinstein.

Good recorded sound.

Chopin of the First Rank from Rubinstein.......2001-05-17

Volume 46 of RCA's complete Arthur Rubinstein Collection features the pianist in recordings from 1961-62, performing works by Chopin which were staples of his public repertoire.

Rubinstein never recorded Chopin's First Sonata, which was written when the composer was still a teenager. That piece is largely, and justifiably, forgotten. Chopin's Second Sonata, with its famous Funeral March, figured prominently in his repertoire. He first recorded the work in 1946 (Volume 16), a harsh sounding, overdriven performance. The present version dates from 1961 and shows the pianist near his autumnal prime. Rubinstein wisely avoids the first movement repeat, and his tempos are well chosen. This is, on the whole, a rather more mellow reading of this work than one is accustomed to hearing, with a restrained Funeral March. Other fine recordings of this work include Rubinstein's "live" version from Moscow in 1964 (Volume 62, which has a slightly touched-up Scherzo); Horowitz' 1962 recording on Sony; and the mightiest Chopin Sonata of them all, Rachmaninoff's 1935 RCA recording.

Chopin's Third Sonata figured somewhat less prominently in Rubinstein's repertoire, and this is his only recording of the work. Many of the same attributes from the companion Second Sonata are here also: natural sense of phrasing and tempos, understanding of structural relationships, solid technique, and Rubinstein's inimitable gorgeous tone. The pianist avoids the trap of playing the outer movements too quickly, which would underpin their dramatic effect. Collectors of fine Chopin playing on CD would do well to obtain this version, in addition to Kapell's outstanding mono version on RCA.

The Barcarolle, Fantasie, and Berceuse are fine makeweights to a fulfilling Chopin recital.

Tracks:

Toccata, BWV 911, In C Minor: Toccata
Toccata, BWV 911, In C Minor: Fugue
Sonata, Op.33 No. 1, In A-Major
Sonata, Op.36, No.1, In A: Presto
Sonata, Op.24, No.2-Op.47, No.2, In B-Flat: I. Allegro con brio
Sonata, Op.34, No.1, In C: II. Un poco andante, quasi allegretto
Lieder ohne Worte-Songs Without Words, Op. 67:: No.3 In B-Flat
Fantaisie, Op.49, In F Minor
Polonaise, Op.26, No.1 In C-Sharp Minor
Mazurka, Op.30, No.2, In B Minor
Consolation No. 4 In D-Flat
Consolation No. 5 In E
Etude-tableau, Op. 39, No.7, In C Minor

Customer Reviews:

A Bach rarity........2001-10-01

Being a great Horowitz fan, I just had to find out how the master would fare in a non-transcribed Bach work.

Just like Michelangeli, Horowitz was of the opinion that a pianist should study the whole reperoire, but be selective in the works to be played in front of an audience.

While his Bach-Busonis do not represent the heights of his discography -just compare with Lipatti-, I do consider Horowitz' Scarlatti as one of the milestones in the history of recorded sound.

So how is the Bach? Very interesting!

We are currently in the (post-)authentic era. After the romantics like Horowitz and Fischer, the objectivists like Walcha and Karl Richter, the authenticists like Leonhardt and Harnoncourt, we are currently in a post-paradigmatic stage. It took them a while, but even the Gilberts, Koopmans, van Asperens, Tans, etc. etc. have finally figured out that their "authentic" approach was often more romanticized, than the one they despised in their predecessors. For those in doubt just listen to this performance.

Comparing Horowitz' Toccata to versions by Gould and Argerich highlights what a skilled and original artist he was. This Toccata represents an early work of the greatest master and often substitutes theatrical drama for more mature contrapunctual skill. This is ofcourse right down Horowit' alley. He plays the piece highly imaginative, dramatic, and with great clarity. A true blockbuster.

This recording highlights how modern Horowitz was. He is often portrayed as the last romantic, but just compare this Bach to Rachmaninov's Sarabande of Bach's fourth Partita in the complete Rach. recordings.

All the other works are available in technically better versions that I strongly prefer based on the dismal sonics of this disc.

Buy this disc. The Bach by itself warrants the price of admission.

Stunning Live Performances from Horowitz.......2001-05-15

Starting in 1945, Vladimir Horowitz engaged the Carnegie Hall Recording Company to record all of his solo recitals in that venue. He paid for the recordings himself, and discontinued them after 1950, when RCA began recording his concerts there. Horowitz would listen to the 78RPM and long-playing discs from time to time, usually at the request of one of his students. He seems to have lost interest in them in the 1960s, and they were stored away in the top floor of his New York townhouse. In 1986, while he was getting his affairs in order, he came upon the discs and donated them to Yale, alma mater of his friend and record producer Tom Frost. After Horowitz died in 1989, Frost listened to all thirteen recitals, and realized that the performances merited public release. In the end, it was decided to release only compositions which were not otherwise in Horowitz' discography, two CDs worth of material.

This performance of the Toccata, BWV 911, is the only available recording of Horowitz playing "untouched" Bach. He brings an almost Gouldian clarity to the proceedings, with a uniquely Horowitzian angst.

The Clementi pieces are played with a larger dynamic range than is customary with music of this period. The Sonata in A, Op. 36, No. 1 features a gentle Allegro and a rollicking Presto. These performances, from 1949-50 disprove the legend that Horowitz "discovered" Clementi while recovering from his 1953 nervous breakdown.

Horowitz rarely Played Chopin's Fantasie, Op. 49 in public, and this recording demonstrates why. The pianist is at his worst here, torturing rhythm, phrasing, and structure. Nor is he as on top of the piece technically as one would expect. If it weren't for the surface noise of this 1948 recording, one would easily guess this was the "mad-scientist" Horowitz of the late 1970s. The other Chopin works fare much better, and sound like Horowitz' typical Chopin playing of the time: bold, large-scaled, technically immaculate performances.

The Liszt and Mendelssohn pieces are played with simplicity and grace, with some miraculous chord-voicing in the Liszt Consolations.

The Rachmaninoff Etude-tableau, which concludes the CD, is played in a declamatory, riveting fashion, with a central section which comes dangerously close to veering out of control.

Tracks:

Meditation (Ave Maria)
Larghetto
Gavotte
Melodie
Lied Ohne Worte Op. 109
Prelude
Ave Maria
Traumerei
Wiegenlied
Nana
Apres Un Reve
Elegie
Le Cygne
Habanera
Anon
Nocturne
Vocalise
Liebesleid

Amazon.com

Russian-born Israeli cellist Mischa Maisky is not the superstar type. He rarely makes recordings and rarely performs outside Europe. But his playing, which he does brilliantly and beautifully on this recording, places him among the finest cellists of our time. This program of famous classical melodies, arranged for cello and piano, is one of the finest cello recordings ever made. --David Vernier

Album Details

Though his Recordings Are Relatively Few (Especially for a Major Label Artist), Mischa Maisky is Recognized as One of the Most Distinguished and Celebrated Cellists of Our Time. This Recital of Arrangements of Familiar as Well as Undeservedly Unfamiliar Classical Tunes Amply Demonstrates Why. His Tone is Impeccable, Technique Flawless, and Most Important He Leaves the Listener Feeling as If They're Hearing the Piece in a Wholly Fresh New Way. Joined by his Long Time Accompanist Pavel Gililov, this is a Recording all Cello Enthusiasts Are Sure to Enjoy.

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful rendition of outstanding classic cello pieces.......1998-12-11

This CD has rapidly become my favorite of my entire collection. I can listen to this for hours. Mr. Maisky plays beautifully, with passion, elegance and sensitivity. Although many of these pieces are familiar, Mr. Maisky is capable of nuances that make one feel that one has never before heard them performed so perfectly. As an amateur cellist myself, I have an intense desire to run to my cello and play these pieces whenever I listen to this CD. Unfortunately my enthusiasm far exceeds my talent so I am forever returning to Mr. Maisky's playing. Everyone for whom I have played this immediately wants to know where he or she can purchase it. I might just send off a few of these to some friends so they too can experience the beautiful sound of the cello played by this master.

Average customer rating:

Rubinstein's Late Chopin

Rubinstein Collection, Vol. 69

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
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Rubinstein Collection, Vol. 40
Rubinstein Collection, Vol. 61
Rubinstein Collection, Vol. 72
Rubinstein Collection, Vol. 76
Rubinstein Collection, Vol. 59

ASIN: B00005427Q
Release Date: 2001-08-07

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No.2, Op.21: Maestoso
Piano Concerto No.2, Op.21: Larghetto
Piano Concerto No.2, Op.21: Allegro Vivace
Fantasia On Polish Airs, Op.13: Largo Non Troppo
Fantasia On Polish Airs, Op.13: Andantino
Fantasia On Polish Airs, Op.13: Kujawiak: Vivace
Andante Spianato & Grande Polonaise, Op.22
Andante Spianato & Grande Polonaise, Op.22: Untitled

Customer Reviews:

Rubinstein's Late Chopin.......2002-05-28

Volume 69 of RCA's mammoth Rubinstein Collection contains some of Rubinstein's last authorized recordings of the music of his compatriot Chopin.

Rubinstein made no fewer than four recordings of Chopin's popular Second Concerto (there is an additional, filmed, performance from 1975). The pianist's conception of the concerto changed over the course of his career, from the brilliant, scintillating, and somewhat sectionalized playing of his early years, to the more mellow, mature, and structurally minded performance heard here. Rubinstein, 81 at the time of this recording, is occasionally cautious during the concerto's more demanding passages, uses less rubato, and less pedal than in his earlier recordings. Eugene Ormandy proves a most sympathetic accompanist here, even accommodating Rubinstein's rather questionable changes to Chopin's text: Rubinstein ordered a cut at the end of the first movement, and the violins in the mazurka episode of the finale play the passages with their bows, rather than sul ponticello (with the wood) as Chopin indicated.

The Fantasia on Polish Airs is one of the few works by Chopin that has never made it into the standard repertoire. Rubinstein rarely played the piece, and this is his only recording of it. His straighforward performance, along with Ormandy's accompaniment, fit the music like a glove.

Chopin's Andante Spianato and Grande Polonaise is better known as a solo piece than in the version with orchestra heard here. Indeed, Rubinstein made three versions of the solo version. Truth be told, the orchestration is rather scanty, and best dispensed with altogether. Rubinstein plays the piece with his usual brilliance, and the pick-up orchestra under Alfred Wallenstein tries to stay out of the pianist's way.

Customer Reviews:

De Pachmann's Successor.......2005-12-06

... and there is no higher praise.
Vladimir de Pachmann was lauded in the late 19th century for rescuing Chopin from Lisztian virtuosi and restoring him to the charm, intimacy and mystery of the salon (although De Pachmann managed to make his confessional tone carry in the largest halls).
More recently, the salon aspects of Chopin have been disparaged and pianists like Rubinstein were praised for giving us more masculine, literal performances. But Rubinstein, who spent more time training in Berlin with Joachim and his circle than he ever did in Poland, always struck me as being more sympathetic to Brahms than he was to Chopin. Indeed, it took many years and a changing aesthetic for Rubinstein's Chopin to be hailed by the same audiences who considered Toscanini and Heifetz to reign supreme.
Which brings us to Maryla Jonas. She was Polish through and through and somehow, like the Russian De Pachmann, channeled what I sense was Chopin's own capricious, witty, nostalgic and nocturnal poetry.
It speaks well for Rubinstein that, though his compatriot's playing was so different from his own, he helped bring Jonas back to the piano after the broken woman was forced to flee to Brazil to escape the Nazis. Sadly, Maryla Jonas was too ill to build a major carreer and died at just 48.
These 78's, lovingly restored by Roger Beardsley, are a precious link to the Chopin of his own time.

Average customer rating:

ignore the 1 stars
Self-recommending Rubinstein Chopin and a listening tip
It's still Ruby
Terrible.
Noisy Source material overwhelms.

Rubinstein Collection, Vol. 16

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Lullabies & Berceuse | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Barcarolles | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
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Arthur Rubinstein - Chopin 19 Nocturnes (Vol. 49)
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Rubinstein Collection, Vol. 50

ASIN: B000031WBN
Release Date: 2000-08-08

Tracks:

24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 1 In C
24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 2 In A Minor
24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 3 In G
24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 4 In E Minor
24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 5 In D
24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 6 In B Minor
24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 7 In A
24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 8 In F-Sharp Minor
24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 9 In E
24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 10 In C-Sharp Minor
24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 11 In B
24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 12 In C-Sharp Minor
24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 13 In F-Sharp
24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 14 In E-Flat Minor
24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 15 In D-Flat
24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 16 In B-Flat Minor
24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 17 In A-Flat
24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 18 In F Minor
24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 19 In E-Flat
24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 20 In C Minor
24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 21 In B-Flat
24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 22 In G Minor
24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 23 In F
24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 24 In D Minor
Berceuse, Op. 57 In D-Flat
Barcarolle, Op. 60 In F-Sharp
Piano Sonata No. 2, Op. 35 ('Funeral March') In B-Flat Minor: Grave - Doppio movimento
Piano Sonata No. 2, Op. 35 ('Funeral March') In B-Flat Minor: Scherzo
Piano Sonata No. 2, Op. 35 ('Funeral March') In B-Flat Minor: Marche funebre: Lento
Piano Sonata No. 2, Op. 35 ('Funeral March') In B-Flat Minor: Final: Presto
Impromptu No. 3, Op. 51In G-Flat

Amazon.com

Artur Rubinstein was a Chopin specialist and recorded the composer's work often throughout his very long career. But he only recorded the complete 24 Preludes once, in 1946, and that is the recording we have here. (All the other material on the CD was recorded the same year, albeit at different times.) The Preludes are wonderful little works, none longer than four and a half minutes. Rubinstein is particularly masterful in the popular Nos. 19 and 20, which can sound too familiar; he makes us hear them anew. I also wouldn't want to be without the fiery No. 8 or the elegant No. 11, and elsewhere there are fine details to be found as well. As for the other works, the big Sonata, op. 35, is a gem, with its oft-heard but always gripping Funeral March and its overt theatricality, which Rubinstein takes full advantage of. He may have added more depth (and the sound is certainly fuller-bodied and clearer) in his later recordings, but his energy and brilliant technique were never better than they are here. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

ignore the 1 stars.......2004-04-05

apparently the people who voted one stars don't know jack about historical recordings... this recording sounds how it's supposed to sound: 1940's but the sound doesn't take away from the good performance given by rubinstein here. my five star is to counter those two one star votes... if we still treasure schnabel's 1930's traversal of beethoven sonatas, there is no reason to ignore this because of sound... sound mavens u can stay away because obviously you do not care about a good performance.

Self-recommending Rubinstein Chopin and a listening tip.......2002-02-25

I waited years for reissues of historic Rubinstein recordings and am grateful for this one especially. It is the only complete set of the Preludes. When I put this disc on I heard the noise, too. But I have been down this road before and suggest one should turn down the treble drastically. Won't that make the sound "muffled"? Not at all. Try it on someone who has never heard the CD before and see if they don't think the recordings sound fine. The remastering is wonderful, but BMG is not tampering too much with the source material as was so often done in the bad old days. You are being shown respect as a record buyer. Try sound tailoring of this special kind on historic recordings when necessary.

It's still Ruby.......2001-09-04

This CD is best suited for Rubinstein's fans; other listeners have no reason to prefer these recordings of the Sonata, the Impromptu, the Berceuse and the Barcarolle to the later stereo versions. The Preludes are a strange case in Ruby's carreer: though being the best performer of Chopin ever, Rubinstein never found the key to the heart of these pieces; anyway, it's still Ruby, and you can feel it in that particular mixture of passion and noblesse that surrounds, for example, n. 6, n. 15 or n. 16, or in the beautiful tone of n. 1 and n. 21. Sound quality is quite bad, but I don't think that's enough for a one-star review, right?

Terrible........2001-08-07

Take this review with a grain of salt, for I am by no means an expert on Chopin interpretation/performance. I also am not quite sure what "digitally remastered" is supposed to mean. But if the CD I bought isn't defective, it has got to be the worst--THE WORST--sounding CD ever produced. Granted, the recordings were made in 1946...but, umm, I thought "digital remastering" was supposed to take care of the incessant "pops" and "hisses" on this recording. I'm not sure how to judge the performance, because in some places I have trouble hearing the piano over the hissing! I've heard 30-year old vinyl that sounds better than this...vinyl, mind you, that WASN'T well taken care of. I say again, IF MY CD WAS WORKING PROPERLY, this recording is terrible. Avoid. [Pollini's performance of the Preludes isn't half bad, and sure sounds better (a 70's-era recording). Try that one instead.]

Noisy Source material overwhelms........2001-01-21

The folks at RCA put this on the market despite many technical flaws. Perhaps the original source material from the 40s had lots of back ground noise (record hiss and pop and crackle) so I should not be surprised, however the back ground noise on this CD is really distracting. I have some RCA LPs having the same performer and music and they play better than this CD.

Don't spend the money. RCA probably wanted to bring these Rubinstein recordings out to add to their Rubinstein ouvre. But

I felt ripped off by paying so much money for a truly inferior recording (Not the fault of the perfromer).

Music Review: